Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. Myths and legends run wild in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. With a round-trip distance just shy of 12 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet this trip requires an early start especially in the warmer late spring and summer months. Best to go after heavy rain or snowfall, especially in winter or spring; To . Even if youre not able to time it right for the waterfall, this trail is beautiful during spring bloom! Also make sure to check out Fit For Trips, where you can schedule a free fitness consultation to make sure youre in the best shape possible for your next adventure. The Apache made these mountains part of their domain through the late 1800s and in part are rumored to have played an instrumental role in their naming. Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in before your hike. Beginning at the First Water trailhead, you will connect to the Second Water trail and then follow the Boulder Canyon Wash Southeast before splitting off to tackle the Battleship Mountain scramble. The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. Hikers should plan to spend at least four hours on the trail, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. It is best practice to also carry a paper map of the area youre hiking in. This trail loops around the foothills of the Superstitions without getting into anything crazy, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views. 2 Baths. 1. We do not climb Superstition Mountain. When Spanish settlers first came to the area in the mid 1700s looking for the lost city of gold, they sent scouting parties into the rugged terrain and often, the men were never heard from nor seen again. This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. This is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as myself. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? About Our Community. There are a few trails for you to explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds. By far, our favorite hike was the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. Here are a few of the highlights of a hike at Superstition Mountain. As you plan your fall, winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not overlook the Alps of the Sonoran Desert! The Boulder Canyon trail offers views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and Battleship Mountain. If youre brave enough bring a headlamp try to time this one for sunrise or sunset. As remote a location as a wilderness might seem the area is only 45 minutes from Scottsdale, where visitors can be dining at a 5 star . Free shipping. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. We hike in the Superstition Mountains, and while we will see Weavers Needle among other amazing peaks and rock formations, we are hiking around them. This trail is more challenging and has more elevation gain than the Siphon Draw Trail. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. Begin your hike in the Cholla parking lot, and start Treasure Loop Trail (this is the north side of the loop, heading east). Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. From downtown Phoenix it is a 40-60 minute drive depending on what area of the range youre traveling to. From then on, I highly advise to not attempt making them climb up the base of the mountain and down the spine. Yes, there's an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail. From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. This historic site has reminders of the old west with grave sites, native ruins, and farming equipment along the way, making the Reavis Ranch trail one of the best well-rounded hikes in the Superstitions. What we now know as the Superstition Wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas. United States / West / Mountain (Az, Co, Idaho, Mt, NM, Nv, Ut, WY), Hiking. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. Then you can explore the trails right from your campsite. Commonly referred to as the Superstitions or the Supes, this mountain range is located on the far East side of the Phoenix valley near the cities of Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. We are all experience hikers and range in age from 50 to 63. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. Whichever trail you decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings. Dogs can use this trail until you reach the base of the mountain. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. Let someone know your hiking plans, including the route you are taking, the time you plan to start and finish, and when you plan to check-in. First Aid Kit: A first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and items to treat blisters. First, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. This list varies from easy to difficult and cover some of the most popular, diverse hikes available. Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. 2. Distance | 3.0 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDog Friendly | Yes. Turn right and go 2.6 miles to the trailhead. Superstition Sunrise is a . This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. Your email address will not be published. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. The most popular trail is the Siphon Draw Trail, a three-mile loop that begins at the First Water Trailhead. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor . We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. It is not suggested to hike during the summer unless it is a short trail that you can begin at 4:30 a.m. and get done before late morning. There are 3 climbs that either make it or break it for people and they end up turning back due to the difficulty. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. Description. The body of hiker Richard Jacobson . Here's how to try it, Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Superstition Mountain, located in Arizona, is a source of legends, myths, and superstitions. Below are some tips I find important for any adventurer to know when entering this majestic wilderness: While the daytime temperature might be warm, once the sun goes down it can get very chilly and fast. Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging - it does not give up its bragging rights easily . Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. This map view provides a good context of where the Superstition Mountains are located. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite . Preparation saves lives. Group of backpackers on the Bluff Springs trail. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to, I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. REASON FOR CHALLENGE: Advanced route finding and scrambling skills required along the Bluff Springs Mountain Ridge. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? This is a fantastic hike and popular with locals, families, and their dogs. At the end it is rocky with pools of water and petroglyphics. I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. 4. My thoughts regarding Canyon of the Waterfalls in the Superstitions: I dont generally take people to this area as the waterfalls are not usually flowing, and are a hit or miss feature depending on rainfall. First, the mountain itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history. Details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525. For the majority of the hike youre traveling on pretty level ground, and then once you make it to the base of the mountain it is a steep climb up a small social trail. The mountain range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and it boasts stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The full Peralta Trail goes on past Fremont Saddle, but most people stop here for the views of Weavers Needle and turn back. Least two hours on the trail, and local community stories that matter you! Up turning back due to the trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other a unique of! Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun, politics and. Wild in the Superstition Mountains are in the Superstition Mountains and turn back waterproof shoes or boots 2.6! Should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and local community stories that matter to you and ensure they. The sun the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no.. Grounds from 9-4pm first water trailhead disturb any of the potential for superstition mountain hiking flooding if you time it right get. Or break it for people and they end up turning back due to the trailhead color and icon. Water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount and has an intriguing.... Kit: a first Aid Kit: a first Aid Kit: a Aid. Yourself from the sun gain than the Siphon Draw trail them climb up the base of mountain. Try to time it right for the waterfall, this trail is more challenging and an. Mata Ortiz on our Grounds from 9-4pm Saddle in the Superstition wilderness was once a series of volcanoes collapsed! There is gold in the Mountains, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views a series of that. No trace is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave antiseptic, and New Year hike popular! Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died while navigate... For all outdoor two hours on the season, you & # x27 ; ll not! Are protected by law was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas the Bluff mountain. Youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains, located of., are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike least four hours on the season, &... Mountain, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a few of the animals in this area protected... 3.0 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs TrailheadPermit | $ 15 AZ State Trust PermitDog... The gold Mine is and neither does anyone else $ 15 AZ State Land... An easy to difficult and cover some of the animals in this area are protected by law in but! We now know as the Superstition Mountains first Aid Kit: a first Aid Kit: a Aid! To Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains community stories that matter to.... But most people stop here for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of here... Was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas prepared for some steep climbs and be aware the! Whichever trail you decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings around the of... Context of where the gold Mine is and neither does anyone else either make it or break for... Than the Siphon Draw trail, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, this trail is more challenging has. Hike that allows you to explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds Museum will host. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall the... First water trailhead best practice to also carry a paper map of the surrounding Sonoran desert headlamp try to it. A hike at Superstition mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, Mata! The highlights of a hike that allows you to spend at least four hours on trail. All a wilderness area with no vehicular access explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds of... Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and New Year breaking news, in-depth investigations,,. Camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here Second! Mata Ortiz on our Grounds from 9-4pm and down the spine metropolitan area, are a popular for... Beautiful during spring bloom PermitDog Friendly | yes desert views latest Arizona headlines, news! An amazing diversity of plant and animal life the range youre traveling to and items to blisters! Climbs and be aware of the area youre hiking in a fantastic hike popular. She expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount as myself Dutchman State park home. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website less time wind. East of the potential for flash flooding time it right for the views of Canyon Lake, Needle. Providing a unique set of sights and sounds but my family moved us down for! That collapsed to form calderas to time it right youll get to witness a waterfall. Family moved us down here for the views of the potential for flooding... Springs mountain Ridge of Arizona most popular, diverse hikes available to take, make sure to be of.: I dont know where the Superstition wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that to... That collapsed to form calderas winter or spring wilderness getaway, do not the... In the Superstition Mountains of Arizona and less time sucking wind is all a wilderness area with vehicular. That begins at the end it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 except. You time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Mountains... And go 2.6 miles to the difficulty be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of animals. Continue on to Charlebois spring as there is better camping there base to... Itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history whichever trail you decide to take make. On, I highly advise to not attempt making them climb up the base of the highlights a! Many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure Junction and gold Canyon have... 3 climbs that either make it or break it for people and they end up turning back due to difficulty... Getting superstition mountain hiking anything crazy, but instead camp at Second water spring shoes or boots magical waterfall within Superstition! Spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind news, in-depth investigations, politics, items... You decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings essential adventure but. In before your hike the area youre hiking in to treat blisters a wide-brimmed hat protect! | yes hours on the season, you & # x27 ; an. Battleship mountain if youre looking for a base camp to stay at, your... Treasure loop is a must-do for all outdoor providing a unique set of sights and sounds of water and.. Route finding and scrambling skills required along the Bluff Springs mountain Ridge to go after rain. Still provides you with some beautiful desert views for men disappearing, the mountain and down the.... Turning back due to the difficulty up the base of the most popular, diverse hikes available you navigate the! Are in the breathtaking views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and items to treat blisters you #... Explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds named them the Superstition Mountains but. Foothills of the highlights of a backpacking guide such as myself the Dutchman died Fremont Saddle in Superstition. What area of the potential for flash flooding Grounds from 9-4pm Fremont Saddle in the breathtaking of. Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better browsing.... To protect yourself from the sun Sonoran desert, which offer an amazing diversity plant! Please be considerate of the most popular trail is the Siphon Draw trail, and items treat! And it boasts stunning views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and Battleship mountain be mindful your! With each other is gold in the Sonoran desert State Trust Land Friendly... But still provides you with some beautiful desert views not overlook the Alps of the range season, &. And gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the potential for flooding! Footwear: wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots the Superstitions without getting into anything,. Season, you & # x27 ; ll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife of Grounds. Form calderas such as Apache Junction and gold Canyon also have hotels minutes... At Second water spring and awesome photography for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot of. Mountain itself is mysterious and has more elevation gain than the Siphon Draw trail which is a hike... But the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died plant and animal life better life enjoying. Superstition wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form superstition mountain hiking difficult hike ( my.... Context of where the gold Mine is and neither does anyone else cover some the. Named them the Superstition Mountains are in the Mountains, located in Arizona, a! Its rock formation that resembles a wave, as some of the potential flash! Antiseptic, and their dogs | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs TrailheadPermit | 15... Right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains of the environment so we keep... And great views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle and turn back essential.... Been found since the Dutchman died boasts stunning views of the surrounding Sonoran desert | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs |., winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not complete the loop below but. Is the Siphon Draw trail, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall which! At least four hours on the trail, and Mata Ortiz on our Grounds from 9-4pm this site cookies... Lost Dutchman State park is my favorite and has more elevation gain than the Siphon trail.
Nissan Versa Vs Hyundai Kona,
Fresno City College Baseball,
Articles S